Becks set for all-clear

DAVID BECKHAM last night handed Sven-Goran Eriksson some welcome relief from the injury crisis that had earlier claimed Rio Ferdinand as its latest victim ahead of England's Euro 2004 qualifier in Macedonia.

DAVID BECKHAM last night handed Sven-Goran Eriksson some welcome relief from the injury crisis that had earlier claimed Rio Ferdinand as its latest victim ahead of England's Euro 2004 qualifier in Macedonia.

Beckham only arrived at the team hotel just after 5pm after his flight from Madrid was delayed after taking part in a match at Villarreal on Tuesday night.

That delayed his assessment by the England medical staff but they were said to be "quietly confident" that he will be available to play in Saturday's game.

Ferdinand, who has a kidney complaint, was forced to join Paul Scholes and Steven Gerrard in being ruled out of the qualifier in Skopje.

That has removed three of the five players previously identified by Eriksson as the crown jewels of his side, who provide the spine which holds the rest of his team together.

But while the England coach can still turn to Michael Owen's finishing prowess, with 23 goals from his 51 caps, he should now at least have Beckham available too.

The England captain sustained a groin problem while playing for Real on Tuesday night, adding himself to an injury list which also extends to Darius Vassell, Jonathan Woodgate and Trevor Sinclair.

However, after being assessed by the England medical staff following several delays on his journey to Manchester, Eriksson is hoping that Beckham will confirm his fitness in training this morning.

FA head of media Adrian Bevington revealed, "David has been assessed by the England medical team and has a tightening in his groin, but it is not a pulled muscle.

"It is believed to be a minor injury and our medical staff are quietly confident that he will be available for Saturday.

"Clearly, they will assess the injury before training, with a view to making a decision on how fully he can participate in the session."

Beckham himself had revealed after the game at Villarreal that "I have a slight groin strain so we will have to wait and see, but I don't think that it will be a problem".

The prognosis on Ferdinand was, however, more damaging to England's chances against the team that held them to a 2-2 draw at Southampton's St Mary's stadium last October.

The centre-back missed Manchester United's defeat at Southampton last weekend but had been hopeful of recovering in time to face Macedonia.

However, Bevington added, "After talks between the medical staff at Manchester United and England, Rio has been ruled out of the Macedonia game.

"He could not play in the game or travel. He will therefore be reassessed this weekend with a view to potentially being available for the match against Liechtenstein next Wednesday."

That leaves John Terry, who made his full England debut against Croatia at Portman Road last month, in the frame to partner Sol Campbell in central defence in Skopje, with Matthew Upson in reserve.

In midfield the likely candidates to replace Scholes and Gerrard are Frank Lampard and Owen Hargreaves who, along with Beckham, could form a midfield trio slightly ahead of Nicky Butt in the holding role.

The United midfielder has himself only appeared for 15 minutes as a substitute at Southampton last weekend after recovering from an ankle injury, but has since come through two training sessions with England.

Kieron Dyer also took part in yesterday's session at United's former training ground, The Cliff, after missing out on Tuesday with a hamstring problem.

Having been put through his paces in a solo session with physio Gary Lewin, he rejoined the rest of the squad and was said to have suffered no further problem.

With Wayne Bridge also back in training , Eriksson will therefore be hoping that his injury problems have at least now bottomed out.

Beckham's fitness would certainly provide a boost to the rest of the squad and, with 17-year-old Wayne Rooney expected to partner Owen, the England captain's experience will be vital.